Hurricane Earl Could Cause Plumbing Problems: What Central MA Homeowners Need To Know

Hurricane Earl is headed for North Carolina, as these words are being written, and over the course of the next few days it will work its way up the East Coast.  While we’re not expecting a direct hit locally, it’s pretty certain that the heavy rains associated with the storm will reach well into Central MA — and this can cause headaches for local homeowners.

Problems Heavy Rains Can Cause

Heavy rains can cause problems for the homeowner.  If you get water in your basement regularly, you can be sure that this storm’s going to add to that problem.  Now is the time to make sure that your sump pump is working properly.  Is it up to the task of handling two, three, or four inches of rainfall in a short period of time? If you have any doubts, call your Central MA plumber now — before you’re facing an emergency situation.

SAFETY FIRST: If your sump pump fails during a storm event, call for professional assistance immediately! Do not go into the water yourself in an attempt to repair the pump.  Flooded basements can be extremely dangerous places, up to and including the risk of electric shock.  This is one job you want to leave to the professionals!

Sewer Backups Can Be Avoided!

Another common problem plumbers see after heavy rains is sewer backups.  It doesn’t matter if you have your own home septic system or are connected to municipal sewer lines: heavy rains can overwhelm a system and cause your lines to back up.  This is a mess that nobody wants to deal with!

Regular sewer drain cleaning can help protect your home from this issue.  Making sure your lines are clean and relatively empty makes it far more likely that your sewer lines will be able to process the excess water that comes with a storm like Earl. If your sewer lines are already clogged or your septic tank nearly full, your chances of avoiding a sewer backup are diminished significantly. Your Central MA plumber can do the job quickly and affordably, getting your system ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way!